University of California, Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz, home to about 17,000 students from around the globe, is known for its interdisciplinary approach to education, innovative research, and world-class faculty and facilities. Part of the esteemed University of California system, UC Santa Cruz is located on the beautiful Monterey Bay. With over 60 undergraduate majors and 35 concentrations, UC Santa Cruz is known for combining the intimacy of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. Our close proximity to Silicon Valley affords unparalleled research and internship opportunities.

Student demographics

53.1% women

46.5% men

49 states represented

56 countries represented

ESL program and/or support services

No ESL programs offered.

Student Housing options

All undergraduate students, whether they live on campus or not, are affiliated with one of ten residential colleges at UC Santa Cruz. Each college provides academic support, organizes student activities, and sponsors events that enhance the intellectual and social life of the campus in addition to housing students in small-scale residential communities. For more information about the 10 residential colleges (a distinctive aspect of UCSC), click here.

Founded in 2001, the International Living Center (ILC) is a unique undergraduate apartment community made up of a mix of US and International Students. A small community of only a 100 students, the ILC offers a unique living and learning environment that fosters understanding, cooperation, and friendship among people from different nations, cultures, and backgrounds. For more information about the International Living Center, click here.

Application deadlines

Application filing period – November 1-30 (for entrance in fall term of the following year)